Daveigh Chase remembered by father in heartfelt birthday tribute

Daveigh Chase's father shared an emotional tribute to the late actress on what would have been her 36th birthday, saying she remains on his mind every day despite years of estrangement.

John Schwallier reflected on his daughter's life in an interview with the Daily Mail, recalling his memories of the former child star more than a month after her death.

Father says he was kept apart from daughter

Schwallier said he thinks about Chase constantly and claimed he has only been able to keep internet printouts of her photographs because he was separated from her during her childhood.

He also wished the actress a happy birthday, adding that she was taken from life far too soon and remains in his thoughts every day.

His comments come as a legal dispute continues over Chase's estate. Court documents show her mother, Cathy Chase, is seeking to be appointed administrator of the actress' reported $400,000 estate. The filings also state Cathy believes Schwallier lives in the Philippines while maintaining properties in Las Vegas.

Actress died after severe illness

Chase died on June 16 at the age of 35 after developing meningitis and severe blood infections that led to sepsis and organ failure.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later listed her cause of death as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and polysubstance use disorder.

Following her death, Schwallier said he had not seen his daughter in person since she was about six years old, although they remained in contact by phone over the years. He described feeling an emptiness from being apart for so long.

Chase's body was later cremated, and her remains were released to her mother.

The actress was best known for voicing Lilo in Lilo & Stitch and starring as Samara Morgan in The Ring.